And the winner is … Verizon Wireless, which lands the first-to-market 5G mobile stakes.
The No. 1 carrier said it will launch its 5G Ultra Wideband Network in select sections of two cities on April 11: Chicago and Minneapolis. The unlimited data service, built upon Verizon’s expansive millimeter wave spectrum holdings, will be available to postpaid customers with unlimited data plans for an additional $10/month following a complimentary three-month period.
Initially, the ultra-high-speed network can only be accessed via a new 5G modular attachment for Motorola’s current moto Z3 smartphone. The magnetic mod will retail regularly for $350, but can be pre-ordered for $50 for a limited time starting now. Customers can also receive a free moto Z3 by activating a new line.
Related: Are Consumers Ready For 5G Phones?
Verizon said it plans to extend the service to more than 30 U.S. cities this year, but will kick things off next month in The Loop section of Chicago and in Downtown Minneapolis.
Verizon already fired up its fixed 5G home service last fall in parts of Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles and Sacramento, Calif. The carrier is touting download speeds that are about 20 times faster than 4G at its best, and with nearly imperceptible latency or lag time.
